RULES
GURU
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By Bob Unetich
USA PICKLEBALL CERTIFIED REFEREE
’ d Like to Hear From You ! Send your questions to rules @ thepickleballmag . com .
& QA
I have noticed that most referees are now using a hand motion when they call the score , even refs with rather loud voices . Are players supposed to watch the ref and wait for this hand signal ?
A : The hand motion you see referees doing was recommended by a referee committee to make it easier for hearing-impaired players to know when the score is being called . Rather than having to remember to use the hand motion for just that group of players , most referees have adopted its use in all matches . As a player , you would be wise to watch for the hand signal to be sure the score has been called , but referees do also call the score so if hearing is not an issue for you , the hand signal is of minimal value to you in that match .
I saw a ref call a fault on a player for “ propelling ” a ball upward before hitting a drop serve . Does this rule apply to the volley serve as well ?
A . It does not ! The difference in the limitation on ball movement stems from the fact that a dropped ball will not bounce very high unless it ’ s “ propelled .” The volley serve already has a requirement that contact with the ball must not be made “ above the waist ,” so there ’ s no reason for a limitation on how it ’ s tossed .
Now that spinning the ball with any part of your body before you hit your serve is not permitted , I think I am seeing more serves with spin caused by intentional paddle movements that add spin to the ball . Is this legal and do you think this trend will be banned also ?
A : It ’ s legal , and I do not expect to see it banned . Adding spin by striking the ball at an angle has always been part of the sport and the Rules Committee is always attempting to maintain “ the integrity of the game .” As the sport evolves , and new players seek winning strategies , I think many will try adding spin to not only their serves but to many of their shots . Permitting this on the serve is like permitting a serve to touch the net and remain in play — it happens to many other shots , so why not for the serve ? The spin imparted by paddles is here to stay .
If I am confused , what can I do to stop the serve when my team is receiving ? Can I ask the ref for time to reposition ourselves after the score has been called , if we think it ’ s necessary ?
A : You can ! Normally , it ’ s too late for a receiver to become “ not ready ” after the score has been called , per Rule 4 . C . 2 ., but keep in mind that players are permitted to ask the ref about their position prior to the serve . So asking anytime , up to the moment it ’ s struck by the server , stops play . After players decide whether to reposition , the referee will call the score again . •
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